Windows RThttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/11882/all
enOvernight Recap: Nokia Tablet Ad Attacks iPad Air, T-Mobile Network Speedshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_nokia_tablet_ad_attacks_ipad_air_tmobile_network_speeds
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/nokia_tablet_commercial_620px.png" alt="Nokia Lumia 2520 commercial" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Microsoft finds itself in something of a pickle when it comes to its tablet-centric Windows RT. Even as Nokia's latest TV commercial knocks the iPad (read on to find out more about that), Redmond weighs the notion of killing Windows RT altogether after discovering that consumers and OEMs alike instead favor having the full Windows 8 experience. Could RT wind up rolled into Windows Phone 8 instead? Time will tell...</p><h3>Nokia Lumia 2520 Ad Takes Pot Shots at iPad Air</h3><p><a href="http://www.wpcentral.com/nokia-lumia-2520-ad-teases-ipad-air" target="_blank">Windows Phone Central reported Monday</a> that a new YouTube commercial on Nokia's official channel attempts to shame iPad Air owners into ditching their Apple product in favor of the new Lumia 2520, Nokia's first entry to the tablet space. "Did I buy the wrong tablet," asks the handsome young dude who purchased his "new, slim and sleek" tablet with the hopes of being more productive. Cue the pretty gal in the coffee shop and you can pretty much figure out where it goes from there, touting Nokia's smart keyboard, fast-charging battery and built-in Microsoft Office. Check out the embedded video below in case you missed it!<br /><br /><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/C9PSnkVZ8So" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><h3>T-Mobile US Customers Reporting Slow Download Speeds</h3><p>Are you a T-Mobile US customer whose wireless download speeds seem to suddenly be far less than they used to be? <a href="http://www.tmonews.com/2013/11/noticing-drastically-reduced-download-speeds-youre-not-alone/" target="_blank">According to TmoNews</a>, you may not be alone. Web forums have been filling up with complaints over the last week, with some users suggesting that throttling could be to blame. The issue has been hard to pinpoint since it's not limited to a single device and while one customer might have the problem, another does not. The issue appears to be most obvious with larger downloads from devices as diverse as the iPhone, Google's latest Nexus 5 and a range of Samsung Android products. No comment as yet from T-Mobile as to what might be going on, although network upgrades have been offered as one possible explanation.</p><h3>Reeder 2.1 Update En Route as Work on Mac Version Continues</h3><p><a href="https://twitter.com/reederapp/status/405031084859338752" target="_blank">Developer Silvio Rizzi sent out a tweet on Monday</a> with the news that Reeder 2.1 for iOS "has been submitted to the App Store" along with <a href="http://reederapp.com/ios/#update" target="_blank">a list of extensive changes for the forthcoming update</a>. These include themes, Reading List support, grouping by feed or date, OPML import and the ability to sort subscriptions alphabetically or by folders or feeds first. Mac users also haven't been left out in the cold, as work continues on a public beta of the latest version expected by year's end.</p><h3>Microsoft Looking to Slim Down Number of Windows Platforms</h3><p>Could the days of Windows RT be numbered? <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-we-arent-going-to-have-three-different-versions-of-windows-7000023593/" target="_blank">ZDNet reported Monday</a> that Microsoft Executive Vice President of Devices and Studios Julie Larson-Green has confirmed her intention to streamline the number of Windows platforms. At the moment, Redmond has full Windows 8.1, ARM-based Windows RT (which was intended for tablets) and Windows Phone 8, but the middle variety thus far seems to be a drain on the company's resources. "We're not going to have three," Larson-Green said. "We do think there's a world where there is a more mobile operating system that doesn't have the risks to battery life, or the risks to security. But, it also comes at the cost of flexibility. So we believe in that vision and that direction and we're continuing down that path."</p><h3>Katie Couric Confirmed as Yahoo "Global Anchor"</h3><p>Once again, the rumors are true as <a href="http://yahoo.tumblr.com/post/68071950595/welcome-aboard-katie-anchors-aweigh" target="_blank">Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer announced in a blog post Monday</a> that news anchor Katie Couric has officially joined the Yahoo News team. Starting in early 2014, Couric will take the mantle of "Global Anchor" in charge of "a growing team of correspondents" with the goal of covering "the world's most interesting stories and newsmakers." Couric won't be leaving her syndicated daytime talk show, but will be shooting video features for Yahoo as well. "Katie is dynamic, savvy and has a way of connecting with viewers that I really admire," Mayer added in closing.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_nokia_tablet_ad_attacks_ipad_air_tmobile_network_speeds#commentsNewsiPad AirKatie CouricLumia 2520nokiaovernight recapReederT-Mobile UStabletsWindows RTyahooYouTubeiPadiPhoneMacTue, 26 Nov 2013 13:25:24 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18717 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: T-Mobile iPad, Super Saver Changes, Plex Bookmarklet Updatehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_tmobile_ipad_super_saver_changes_plex_bookmarklet_update
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/t-mobile_ipad_network_carrier_620px.png" alt="T-Mobile as iPad network carrier" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Whew! That was quite a Tuesday. While most of us got pretty much what we expected out of Apple’s special event in San Francisco yesterday, few of us probably anticipated that OS X Mavericks would actually be released the same day, yet alone all of the new iLife and iWork apps. But there was plenty of other news happening while you were taxing your broadband connection to download all those updates, so here’s a small sampling…</p><h3>T-Mobile iPad Includes 200MB Free LTE Data Per Month</h3><p>Although T-Mobile US didn’t get any lip service during Apple’s special event on Tuesday, the scrappy underdog carrier is finally part of the iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular lineup along with AT&amp;T, Verizon Wireless and Sprint. <a href="http://www.tmonews.com/2013/10/apple-announces-new-ipads-t-mobile-finally-gets-in-on-the-fun/" target="_blank">According to TmoNews</a>, the carrier is throwing in 200MB of free data each month, which makes rival AT&amp;T look pretty bad by comparison for charging $14.99 per month for a mere 250MB. T-Mo’s paid 2.5GB per month for $30 is a little better than Verizon but not quite as attractive as AT&amp;T, while the larger 4.5GB per month for $40 pretty much beats all rivals. Just make sure to buy the iPad Air or iPad mini with Retina Display with the T-Mobile data option.</p><h3>Amazon Bumps Free Super Saver Shipping Minimum to $35</h3><p>Now here’s a good reason to become an Amazon Prime member if ever there were one: <a href="http://dealnews.com/Amazon-announces-increase-of-free-shipping-minimum-to-35/884513.html" target="_blank">According to DealNews</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/?tag=dealnewscom&amp;t=YVsxHjroEeO4z_ptPfwOsA0_Qz.k3_0_0_0&amp;docId=1001427161" target="_blank">Amazon quietly increased the minimum order size</a> for its free Super Saver Shipping, bumping it from a $25 threshold to $35, likely due to the ever-increasing costs of fuel, packaging and fulfillment. To their credit, Amazon notes “this is the first time in more than a decade” that the e-tailer has altered the minimum order to qualify for free shipping within the U.S., but that isn’t likely to take the sting out of paying an extra $10 just to avoid shipping costs.</p><h3>Handwriting Support Comes to Google Docs, Gmail</h3><p><a href="http://googledrive.blogspot.com/2013/10/handwritingindocs.html" target="_blank">The Google Drive Blog announced Tuesday</a> that both Gmail and Google Docs how offer handwriting input for those times when drawing words is preferable to typing them. Users will need to first enable the input tools, then they’ll have access to more than 20 languages for Google Docs and over 50 languages for Gmail, including more complicated options such as Chinese, Japanese, Hindi and Russian. The move follows Google’s inclusion of handwriting support for its mobile search, Google Translate and Chrome browser in recent weeks.</p><h3>Plex Bookmarklet Receives Big Update with Sharing Option</h3><p><a href="http://elan.plexapp.com/2013/10/18/a-massive-bookmarklet-upgrade/" target="_blank">The folks at Plex announced Tuesday</a> that they’ve pushed out a “massive” update to the browser-based bookmarklet that allows users to queue up videos from all across the web. In addition to “a cleaner, more modern look,” users can now recommend videos to others rather than add it to your own queue. Last but not least, the update allows users to “fling” videos to any open Plex app on the network for immediate viewing — perfect for those times when you’d rather watch a video on the big screen using a Roku rather than on a laptop or mobile device. And for what it’s worth, it seems to be working better on websites that previously wouldn’t work.</p><h3>Windows RT 8.1 Update Returns to Windows Store</h3><p>Nearly as quickly as it left over the weekend, it’s back again. <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-fixes-windows-rt-8-1-update-is-back-in-windows-store-7000022259/" target="_blank">ZDNET reported Tuesday</a> that Microsoft has re-enabled the Windows RT 8.1 update for Surface RT tablets, and users can now download and install without fear of bricking their device. First released on Oct. 17, the update was yanked two days later following reports that “one out of every 1,000” Surface RT 8.1 installations failed, leaving the tablet in a state where it couldn’t boot up. Microsoft quickly delivered a recovery image for afflicted users, and now all appears to be right with the world again now that the actual update is back.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_tmobile_ipad_super_saver_changes_plex_bookmarklet_update#commentsNewsAmazonbookmarkletsGmailGoogle DocsiPad Data Planovernight recapPlexSuper Saver ShippingT-Mobile USWindows RTiPadMacWed, 23 Oct 2013 12:41:00 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18397 at http://www.maclife.comNokia Debuts Six New Devices, Including Lumia 2520 Windows RT Tablethttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/nokia_debuts_six_new_devices_including_lumia_2520_windows_rt_tablet
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/nokia_lumia_2520_tablet_620px.png" alt="Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Apple isn't the only tech company holding a splashy media event today: Nokia World is going down right now in Abu Dhabi, and the soon-to-be Microsoft entity has wasted no time unveiling six new devices and some long-awaited apps for Windows Phone.<br /><br />On Tuesday, <a href="http://conversations.nokia.com/2013/10/22/innovation-reinvented-at-nokia-world/" target="_blank">Nokia's Conversations Blog posted a quick recap</a> of the company's latest products and services unveiled at Nokia World 2013, including new Lumia handsets and a long-rumored tablet.<br /><br />First up is the Lumia 1520, Windows Phone 8 device featuring a six-inch 1080p HD display along with the company's 20MP PureView camera. Nokia also introduced the Lumia 1320, which ditches the PureView camera but keeps the larger screen for budget-minded users.<br /><br />Nokia also refreshed its Asha lineup, introducing three new models: The 500, 502 and 503, which feature "a stunning new industrial design with a better camera and a range of capabilities including 3G." (Never thought you'd see a manufacturer brag about that in 2013, did you?)<br /><br />Rounding out the new hardware is the Lumia 2520, a Windows RT tablet offering LTE connectivity with an outdoor-friendly display and the same stylish looks as the company's Lumia smartphones.<br /><br />Nokia also had some good news for Windows Phone 8 users on the software front, with updates to its HERE Maps service as well as new Nokia Storyteller, Nokia Video Director and Nokia Beamer apps for creating better videos and photos.<br /><br />Last but not least, the company announced its long campaign to bring Instagram to the Windows Phone 8 platform has finally paid off, with an official app on the way in the next few weeks. Twitter's Vine will also arrive on the platform, and both apps will be available to all users, rather than being offered as Nokia exclusives.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/nokia_debuts_six_new_devices_including_lumia_2520_windows_rt_tablet#commentsNewsAshainstagramLumiaLumia 2520nokiaNokia WorldsmartphonestabletsVineWindows Phone 8Windows RTiPadiPhoneTue, 22 Oct 2013 13:17:54 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18382 at http://www.maclife.comMicrosoft Store Offers $200 or More to Get Rid of Your iPadhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/microsoft_store_offers_200_or_more_get_rid_your_ipad
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/microsoft_ipad_trade-in_620px.png" alt="Microsoft iPad trade-in" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Do you feel like your iPad is holding you back from a better lifestyle, one that could be powered by a Windows Surface tablet? Then get rid of it at a Microsoft Store near you and cash in.<br /><br /><a href="http://content.microsoftstore.com/en-us/offers?WT.mc_id=PromoEmail_iPadTradein_9-5-13_GetDetails#offer-tablet-trade" target="_blank">The Microsoft Store has quietly added a new section</a> to its "amazing deals" page this week, offering a minimum $200 gift card to iPad owners who trade in their tablet in favor of a Surface "or other cool products" sold by the company.<br /><br />The deal only applies to the iPad 2 or higher and is valid until Oct. 27, 2013. The fine print claims your iPad "should include power cord, if available, and the device cannot be password protected."<br /><br />Although there's no obligation to use the $200 (or higher) gift card for a Surface tablet, Microsoft clearly hopes you will, pointing out that the Surface RT starts at $349, while the more capable Intel-powered Surface Pro starts at $799.<br /><br />If anyone is really planning to take Microsoft up on this deal, we'd love to hear about it in the comments!<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/microsoft_store_offers_200_or_more_get_rid_your_ipad#commentsNewsDealsGift CardsiPad 2iPad 3iPad 4microsoft storeSurface ProSurface RTtabletstrade-insWindows 8Windows RTiPadFri, 13 Sep 2013 11:58:11 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18052 at http://www.maclife.comWeekend Recap: Mac Pro Teaser in Theaters, Geekbench 3, Nokia Windows RT Tablethttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/weekend_recap_mac_pro_teaser_theaters_geekbench_3_nokia_windows_rt_tablet
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/mac_pro_internal_specs_620px.png" alt="Mac Pro internal specs" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>By all accounts, it appears that Ashton Kutcher's star turn as Steve Jobs only managed to scrape together a little over half of its $12 million budget during opening weekend, where estimates put the indie movie in seventh place. It probably didn't help that reviews were mixed, but feel free to chime in with your own thoughts in the comments if you ventured out to the theater to see for yourself… and maybe you even caught our first news item of the weekend as well…?</p><h3>Apple Debuts 2013 Mac Pro Teaser in Movie Theaters</h3><p>Lights, camera, action! Apple has yet to pin a release date on its latest Mac Pro, but <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2013/08/16/apple-begins-showing-mac-pro-teaser-in-movie-theaters-with-coming-fall-2013-announcement/" target="_blank">according to MacRumors</a>, the svelte black tube has popped up in movie theaters across the country in a teaser promising a "Fall 2013" release. That leaves one mystery a little less cloudy, since Cupertino announced only "later this year" at WWDC 2013 in June, but there's still no sign of a price tag on how much these puppies will set us back -- but at least it gives us a few more weeks to save up.</p><h3>Geekbench 3 Now Available for OS X, iOS</h3><p>Those who like to clock the speed of their latest gadgets will be pleased to learn that <a href="http://www.primatelabs.com/blog/2013/08/geekbench-3/" target="_blank">Primate Labs has released Geekbench 3</a>, the latest version of its OS X, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android benchmark tool. The various applications now include 15 additional tests "designed to model real-world processor intensive tasks," as well as 12 rewritten benchmarks "more representative of real-world applications and usage scenarios." The iOS version also gains a completely new user interface optimized for the upcoming iOS 7. Since the Mac App Store doesn't offer an upgrade path from the existing version, the company is offering a discounted price of $5 off a single-platform license if purchased before August 31, with additional discounts for the cross-platform or pro editions; the universal iOS edition is only 99 cents.</p><h3>Nokia Windows RT Tablet Tipped for Next Month</h3><p><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/16/4627220/nokia-windows-rt-tablet-pictures-leak-rumor" target="_blank">The Verge reported Friday</a> that Nokia's tablet ambitions appear to be inching closer to reality, with a Windows RT model set to debut around September 26 at a special event to be held in New York City. Codenamed "Vanquish," the slate is said to be powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with AT&amp;T LTE connectivity for the U.S. model. A photo posted to Digiwo allegedly shows the red color variant back of the 10.1-inch tablet, complete with Nokia, Windows RT and Verizon Wireless logos.</p><h3>Apple's USB Power Adapter Takeback Program Now in 30 Countries</h3><p><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2013/08/17/apple-officially-launches-third-party-usb-charger-takeback-program-in-30-countries/" target="_blank">MacRumors reported Saturday</a> that Apple's new USB Power Adapter Takeback Program has already expanded to 30 countries, after launching in nine last month. Prompted by the death of a Chinese woman electrocuted from a third-party knockoff charger, the program allows Apple Stores and participating Authorized Service Providers to accept trade-ins of such chargers in exchange for $9 off the regular price of an official Apple version. Notable countries now participating in the program include Austria, Hong Kong, South Korea and Spain in addition to the existing U.S. and China.</p><h3>Firefox OS-Powered ZTE Open Comes to U.S. via eBay Store</h3><p>Curious to see what all the hoopla is about with Mozilla's new open-source Firefox OS smartphones? Late last week, <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/ztemobileus" target="_blank">ZTE began selling its new Open handset in the U.S. via a dedicated eBay Store</a>, and promptly sold out of the diminutive orange devices. While the specs aren't exactly anything to get enthusiastic about, Firefox OS promises to fulfill the promise originally laid out by Google with Android: A truly open, free mobile operating system. You'll also need to be okay with toting around an orange smartphone, but the good news is those suckers come cheap, with an unlocked model priced at a mere $79.99. To find out when ZTE restocks its virtual shelves, sign up for their newsletter and they'll be sure to let you know.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/weekend_recap_mac_pro_teaser_theaters_geekbench_3_nokia_windows_rt_tablet#commentsNewsApple Inc.Firefox OSGeekbenchMac Pronokiatabletstakeback programweekend recapWindows RTZTE OpeniPadiPhoneiPodMacMon, 19 Aug 2013 11:00:00 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17805 at http://www.maclife.comNokia's Scrubbed 10-Inch Windows RT Tablet Revealedhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/nokias_scrubbed_10inch_windows_rt_tablet_revealed
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/nokia_windows_rt_tablet_620px.png" alt="Nokia Windows RT tablet prototype" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Nokia executives may be playing coy when answering questions about whether or not the company will ever make a Windows tablet, but newly leaked photos reveal the Finnish smartphone maker has already abandoned one such device.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/9/4506416/nokia-windows-rt-tablet-pictures-rumor" target="_blank">The Verge reported Tuesday</a> that Nokia has not only built a Windows RT tablet originally planned to launch earlier this year, but the company has already scrapped it in favor of a full Windows 8 model.<br /><br />According to sources close to the project, the 10-inch, Nokia-branded tablet that <a href="http://forums.wpcentral.com/general-tablet-discussion/232724-unknown-nokia-windows-rt-tablet-prototype.html" target="_blank">popped up on Windows Phone Central</a> <a href="http://cafe.naver.com/fpsgame/2356079" target="_blank">via Korean forum Naver</a> this week is powered by a Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, complete with MagSafe-style magnetic power connector, HDMI and USB ports as well as a SIM slot capable of 4G LTE data.<br /><br />Apparently, the forum poster claims to have received the tablet as a gift "from someone who works at Nokia," but the company has reportedly since abandoned plans to support the ARM-powered Windows RT tablet in favor of a full Intel-based Windows 8 slate instead.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter<br /></a><br />(Image courtesy of Windows Phone Central)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/nokias_scrubbed_10inch_windows_rt_tablet_revealed#commentsNews4G LTEARMIntelleakedMicrosoftnokiaNvidiaprototypesSIM cardtabletsTegra 3Windows 8Windows RTiPadTue, 09 Jul 2013 13:15:24 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17472 at http://www.maclife.comMicrosoft's Pleas for Windows 8 Version of iTunes Fall on Deaf Earshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/microsofts_pleas_windows_8_version_itunes_fall_deaf_ears
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/windows_8_start_menu_200px.png" alt="Windows 8 Start menu" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Microsoft has been pretty good at throwing its formidable weight around to get key applications on Windows 8, but not surprisingly, it's finding resistance from the folks in Cupertino.<br /><br /><a href="http://money.cnn.com/2013/05/07/technology/windows-8-itunes/index.html" target="_blank">CNN Money is reporting</a> that Microsoft has been pushing Apple for a Windows 8-native edition of iTunes, which currently only runs in traditional Desktop mode on the company's Metro-style software -- and not at all on the tablet-centric Windows RT.<br /><br />"You shouldn't expect an iTunes app on Windows 8 any time soon," laments Windows Division CFO Tami Reller. "ITunes is in high demand. The welcome mat has been laid out. It's not for lack of trying."<br /><br />While Apple has grudgingly carried over iTunes, Safari, QuickTime and even iCloud to the Windows platform, the company has largely ignored Windows 8, which debuted six months ago and claims to have sold 100 million licenses during that time.<br /><br />Thus far, the sole exception is a recent OS X Mountain Lion update which added Windows 8 compatibility to Boot Camp -- but that's for running Microsoft's OS on Apple's hardware, not for Apple software on Windows computers.<br /><br />Windows RT owners are the ones suffering most from Apple's neglect -- they can't install iTunes at all since it requires Intel hardware, which means a traditional desktop or laptop computer or more expensive Windows Pro tablet.<br /><br />However, even that is a less than ideal experience, since iTunes doesn't currently take advantage of the native Windows 8 experience, instead running as a window inside the classic Desktop view.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/microsofts_pleas_windows_8_version_itunes_fall_deaf_ears#commentsNewsApple Inc.desktopdigital musiciTunesMetroMicrosoftmusic playersoftwareWindows 8Windows 8 ProWindows RTFri, 10 May 2013 11:50:53 +0000J.R. Bookwalter16969 at http://www.maclife.comFirst Round of Surface Pro Reviews Focus on "Compromised" Experiencehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/first_round_surface_pro_reviews_focus_compromised_experience
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/microsoft_surface_pro_200px.png" alt="Microsoft Surface with Windows 8 Pro" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Poor Microsoft: When you announce a pro-level tablet and promise that it is all about "no compromises," you should know that you're just setting yourself up for failure when the first reviews arrive.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2013/02/05/first-reviews-of-microsoft-surface-pro-good-display-full-windows-8-compromised-experience/" target="_blank">MacRumors has compiled early reviews</a> of Microsoft's new Surface with Windows 8 Pro, the company's high-end $899 and up tablet that runs a full, professional version of Windows 8 on an Intel processor instead of Windows RT under ARM.<br /><br />While none of the reviewers outright hate the Surface with Windows 8 Pro, it's clear that Microsoft has indeed made plenty of compromises with the tablet, despite its initial launch claims to the contrary.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/5/3955130/microsoft-surface-pro-review" target="_blank">The Verge calls it</a> "too big, too fat and too reliant on its power cable to be a competitive tablet," while <a href="http://allthingsd.com/20130205/surface-pro-hefty-tablet-is-a-laptop-lightweight/" target="_blank">Walt Mossberg over at AllThingsD remarked</a> that the battery lasted a mere four hours -- three hours less than the Windows RT version, and less than half of Apple's iPad.<br /><br /><a href="http://gizmodo.com/5981224/microsoft-surface-pro-review-too-much-future" target="_blank">Gizmodo praised</a> the Surface Pro's ability to launch apps "almost instantly" along with its impressive 1080p display, while <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2013/02/05/microsoft-surface-pro-review/" target="_blank">TechCrunch warned</a> that the optional $129 Type Cover and $119 Touch Cover should be considered "essential to the Surface Pro experience."<br /><br />If these reviews haven't completely turned you off from buying one, Microsoft's <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-us/surface-with-windows-8-pro/home" target="_blank">Surface with Windows 8 Pro</a> hits stores on Saturday, February 9 starting at $899 for a 64GB version, which AllThingsD notes will only net you 30GB of free space. Might want to spring for the 128GB version instead for $100 more…?<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/first_round_surface_pro_reviews_focus_compromised_experience#commentsNews1080p128GB64GBAllThingsDMicrosoftmicrosoft surface proreviewsSurface ProtabletsWindows 8Windows RTiPadWed, 06 Feb 2013 14:43:35 +0000J.R. Bookwalter16171 at http://www.maclife.comiFixit Ponders What's Inside Microsoft's Surface, Decides to Find Outhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/ifixit_ponders_whats_inside_microsofts_surface_decides_find_out
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/ifixit_surface_teardown_200px.png" alt="Microsoft Surface teardown" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />With all of the gadgets released this year, you'd think the repair experts at iFixit would be ready to take a break when Microsoft's new Surface tablet hit the streets last Friday. But you'd be wrong.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Microsoft+Surface+Teardown/11275/1" target="_blank">iFixit has posted a teardown of the new Microsoft Surface</a>, Redmond's first computer hardware device which runs Windows 8 RT, a stripped-down version of the new Windows 8 operating system aimed for ARM-based tablet products.<br /><br />"We got our hands on Microsoft's new Surface, and to its credit, it lasted a good twenty minutes before we decided to tear it open," the iFixit gang remarked at the beginning of their excursion, once again putting spudgers and Torx screwdrivers in hand to make a tech product bend to their will.<br /><br />Officially known as the "Microsoft Surface with Windows RT," the base model tablet starts at $499, essentially matching Apple's full-sized iPad, but doubling the storage to 32GB and offering a few appealing extras, including USB 2.0, HDMI out and even an SD card slot to expand storage beyond that which Redmond has endowed it with.<br /><br />Microsoft also gets higher marks for the Surface battery, which is still glued onto the frame but much easier to remove than the one found on the iPad. The tablet also includes chips from suppliers like NVIDIA, Samsung, Micro, Texas Instruments, Marvell, Wolfson and Cypress Semiconductor.<br /><br />So how does it rank for repairability? iFixit gave it a score of four out of 10 -- Microsoft's Surface proved a challenge to open, requiring both a heat gun "and lots of patience" to get access to the glass and LCD, which are fused together and "strongly" adhered to the case.<br /><br />Looks like Surface fans may want to get an extended warranty on their new special friend…<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ifixit_ponders_whats_inside_microsofts_surface_decides_find_out#commentsNewshdmiifixitMicrosoftMicrosoft SurfacerepairsSurfacetabletsteardownsUSB 2.0Windows 8Windows RTiPadMon, 29 Oct 2012 13:32:16 +0000J.R. Bookwalter15445 at http://www.maclife.comThe Lifer: Microsoft is Teetering on Irrelevancyhttp://www.maclife.com/article/columns/lifer_microsoft_teetering_irrelevancy
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="http://www.maclife.com/files/u325188/2012/08/rik_icon_0.png" width="150" height="236" class="graphic-right" /></p><h3>Vision matters. Leadership matters. Timing matters. Soon, Microsoft may not.</h3><p>After you read the web's musings, print out this article and stuff it in the bottom of your sock drawer. Five years from now, pull it out, read my next sentence, and compare it to the reality of that future day.<br /><br />Microsoft is teetering on irrelevancy.<br />&nbsp;<br />Oh, the industry-leading software company will remain more than merely solvent for the foreseeable future -- after all, it has a humongous installed base and an army of talented developers -- but the world is going mobile and Microsoft is playing catch-up.</p><p>As any computer-savvy homo sapien who hasn’t been vacationing in Ulaanbaatar for the last few months knows, Microsoft is about to release its long-awaited Windows 8. To that I say, “Big whoop.”<br /><br />Windows 8 won’t play well with business. Its whiz-bang Metro user interface, growing as it did out of Windows Phone 7, works best with new software written for touchscreen devices such as Microsoft’s own Surface tablet-cum-keyboard. For the standard apps used in the business world in which Microsoft dominates, Windows 8 drops you back onto a near-conventional desktop, causing UI whiplash.<br /><br />Quick question: Say you’re an enterprise sysadmin, and you’ve recently upgraded your company to the stable, well-proven Windows 7. Are you going to recommend to your CTO the option of ditching all that work and adopting and training users on a brand-new OS in which the familiar desktop UI is a second-class citizen? Thought not.<br /><br />But what about the wonderful Brave New World of smartphones and tablets -- the world into which computing is moving lickety-split, even in the enterprise market where the BYOD (bring your own device) movement is flooding otherwise tightly controlled environments with iOS and Android devices?<br /><br />Well, Redmond has a version of Windows 8 for that market called Windows RT (which, for you geeks, stands for runtime; you normal human beings need not worry about that). Windows RT, however, won’t run on the Intel chips that Windows 8 -- and, for that matter, OS X -- calls home. Instead, Windows RT is designed for the ARM processor architecture also used by iOS and Android.<br />&nbsp;<br />Without some as-yet-unannounced software trickery, all those squillions of traditional Windows apps in which people have already invested won’t run on Windows RT tablets. Microsoft will need to convince -- bribe? -- developers to either recode their apps for Windows RT or write new ones from scratch. Good luck.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.maclife.com/files/u325188/2012/08/surfacekeyboard_screen.png" width="620" height="349" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br />So what advantage will Windows 8 and Windows RT have in the marketplace? To this observer’s eyes the answer is “None.” Well, maybe not exactly zero, seeing as how some of those thin and light “Ultrabooks™” that Intel is flogging may have touchscreens that can take advantage of touchy-feely Metro gestures. But it remains to be seen whether notebook users will want to poke and prod their displays.<br /><br />Microsoft may simply be too late. Apple has the proprietary “walled-garden” mobile market pretty well sewn up, and Google’s Android not only has its share of fans, but its free open-source license attracts manufacturers in a way that Windows RT’s licensing fees most certainly will not -- they’re rumored to be as high as $85 per device.<br /><br />So if someone asks you if you think Microsoft’s next operating system will succeed, may I suggest that you answer with another question: “Why should it?” Microsoft had its day in the sun, but its lack of vision and plodding leadership may have doomed it to decline.<br /><br />A bit of history: when Steve Jobs rejoined Apple, the company’s stock sold for around four bucks per share. It has since soared well over $600. When Steve Ballmer took over as Microsoft CEO, Redmond’s stock was tickling the backside of $60 per share. As I write this, it’s hovering at around $30.<br /><br />Vision matters. Leadership matters. Timing matters. Soon, Microsoft may not.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/columns/lifer_microsoft_teetering_irrelevancy#commentsAndriodColumnsintel chips.MacMicrosoftOSosxWindows 8Windows RTWed, 08 Aug 2012 20:05:49 +0000Rik Myslewski14755 at http://www.maclife.comMicrosoft Surface Ready to Take on iPad with Windows 8http://www.maclife.com/article/news/microsoft_surface_ready_take_ipad_windows_8
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/microsoft_surface_200px.png" alt="Microsoft Surface" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Perhaps unwilling to tread the same path that search giant Google has walked with Android tablets, Microsoft held an event on Monday to show off a pair of its own Surface tablets, available in Windows RT consumer and Windows 8 Pro editions. When can you actually buy one? Beats us.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/default.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft has announced Surface</a>, its latest stab at creating a Windows-based tablet. The difference with this slate is that Microsoft will actually be manufacturing the product, essentially slitting the throats of its partner OEMs before Windows 8 even ships, despite CEO Steve Ballmer's assurance that Surface is intended to "prime the pump" for Windows 8 tablet makers.<br /><br />"From touch to type, office to living room, from your screen to the big screen, you can see more, share more, and do more with Surface," Microsoft's Surface website teases. "Create, collaborate, and get stuff done with Office. Explore your world with fast, fluid Windows 8 apps. Discover new music, movies, and games in the Windows Store."<br /><br />Microsoft Surface is actually a pair of thin, light 10.6-inch tablets aimed at different markets. The most obvious iPad competitor is the base model, available in either 32GB or 64GB versions with an ARM processor running Windows RT, the company's tablet-friendly variation of Windows 8. The 9.3mm thin Surface weighs only 676 grams and comes standard with micro-SD and full-sized USB 2.0 ports.<br /><br />On the pro side, the second tablet is a bit thicker at 13.5mm with a bit more heft at 903 grams, available in 64GB or 128GB and adding micro-SDXC, USB 3.0 and Mini DisplayPort to the mix. The beefier version is powered by Intel processors and runs Windows 8 Pro, the version capable of also running traditional Windows applications.<br /><br />Microsoft is also taking a cue from Apple by offering a Touch Cover that magnetically attaches to the Surface and is capable of folding into a stand, with one very big difference: It also doubles as both keyboard and trackpad.<br /><br />Sadly, Microsoft left the two biggest factoids off the table on Monday: When Surface will be available and how much it will cost. The consumer version is expected to fall in line with pricing for the iPad and its Android-based competitors, while the pro model will presumably go toe-to-toe with the MacBook Air and Ultrabooks closer to the $1000 range.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/microsoft_surface_ready_take_ipad_windows_8#commentsNewsMicrosoftMicrosoft SurfaceSurfacetablet computingtabletsTouch CoverWindows 8Windows 8 ProWindows RTiPadTue, 19 Jun 2012 12:40:09 +0000J.R. Bookwalter14356 at http://www.maclife.comMicrosoft “Major” Event Monday, Act Surprised When They Announce a Tablethttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/microsoft_%E2%80%9Cmajor%E2%80%9D_event_monday_act_surprised_when_they_announce_tablet
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/steve_ballmer_with_windows_tablet_200px.png" alt="Steve Ballmer holds Windows tablet" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Apparently tired of watching Apple have all the fun (and make all the money) with tablets, Microsoft is holding an event on Monday where they’re expected to announce one of their own, kicking sand in the faces of OEM partners worldwide.<br /><br /><a href="http://allthingsd.com/20120614/microsoft-taking-direct-aim-at-the-ipad-but-questions-loom-large/" target="_blank">AllThingsD is reporting</a> that Microsoft’s “major” event in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon will unveil a new “tablet strategy” -- as in, Redmond will announce the company is actually manufacturing their own tablets to complete with Apple’s iPad.<br /><br />“Sources say that Microsoft concluded that it needs its own tablet, with the company designing both the hardware and software in an effort to better compete against Apple’s strengths,” the report reveals. “Microsoft’s tablets may include machines running ARM-based processors as well as models running on traditional PC processors, sources said.<br /><br />“The move could allow Microsoft to better match Apple’s tight integration, but it is also fraught with the potential for conflict,” the report continues. “Microsoft makes most of its money from Windows and Office, and depends on an ecosystem of PC makers like Dell, HP, Acer and Lenovo to make those Windows-based machines.”<br /><br />And yes, those same companies have already been developing Windows 8 and Windows RT-based tablets of their own, which can’t exactly sit well with companies used to having Redmond dictate the software while they take care of the rest.<br /><br />Of course, we’ve also heard the same rumors about Google, who is said to have a Nexus-branded Android tablet of their own that could be unveiled as early as the end of the month at their I/O developer conference.<br /><br />Steve Jobs would have loved the irony: After years of Microsoft playing the software-only card and dominating the PC market, the iPad comes along and has Redmond again scrambling to get back into the hardware business. Remember the last time Microsoft played catch up with Apple on hardware? (Spoiler: It was the Zune, and we all know how that turned out.)<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/microsoft_%E2%80%9Cmajor%E2%80%9D_event_monday_act_surprised_when_they_announce_tablet#commentsNewsandroidGooglehardwaremedia eventMicrosoftOEMpartnershipstablet marketWindows 8Windows RTzuneiPadFri, 15 Jun 2012 11:51:38 +0000J.R. Bookwalter14340 at http://www.maclife.com